Chapter 4 Summary

The narrator is shocked by what he sees but accepts the circumstances. The strange man who has befriended the narrator introduces himself as Dr. Leete, informing him that the last century has brought about as many important changes as many millenniums have produced. At last, the narrator identifies himself as Julian West and learns that Dr. Leete has built a house on Julian's property. Julian has a bath and is given fresh clothing, and he is so excited by his state that he doesn't focus on the loss of his past at all. Instead, he and Dr. Leete begin an exchange of information. Julian comments that the most noticeable difference in the landscape is the absence of chimneys. In general, however, he remarks that the city demonstrates such material prosperity.

Dr. Leete begins to explain to Julian that the old system of industry...